The first TDS New England Combine produced some exceptional performances. With clubs like FC Bolts Celtic, New England Revolution, BW Gottschee bringing out many of the region’s best. Under the watchful eyes of coaches from UConn, Boston U, Holy Cross, Newbury, New England College, and others, the following were the top performers.

MORE TDS Combines: New England Girls Best XI

With over 80 TDS Combine alumni now committed to play in College, the program is proving to pay dividends for many young players. Interested in getting on a National Guard Best XI list from a TopDrawerSoccer Combine? Check out how you can get seen at any of our 6 remaining Combines in 2014 here.

TDS Atlanta Combine Boys Best XI

Robert Montanaro – FC Blazers - Goalkeeper (2015) – Montanaro has a lot facets of his game to like. Under the tutelage of GK coach extraordinaire Neill Caine of Boston University; Montanaro has developed phenomenal footwork and coordination. Uses his great technique and strength to make extended dives. Provides clear instructions to his back line, and has elite GK speed to get across the goal well. The potential is clearly there.

Niko Lovoulos – NJSA04 – Defender (2017) – A young defender who relishes a good challenge and is clean on the ball? Sign me up. Lovoulos’s got an excellent feel for his angles when closing down, and provides just enough aggression to win the ball back without overcommitting himself. Excels in tight spaces, and has a wonderful first touch for a defender.

Dan Casey – FC Bolts Celtic – Defender (2014) – An experienced defender who showed great leadership and organization of the defense at the combine. Good on the ball in the buildup and strong in the tackle.

Colin Chiakpo – FC Bolts Celtic – Defender (2015) – Chiakpo is one of those center backs that is extremely comfortable on the ball. Reminds a bit of Gale Agbossoumonde when he was younger, Colin has a very good first touch that sets him up to play. Confident and a leader, he provides great supportive communication to his fellow defenders. Really takes command of the back line, and can dribble past players with ease out of the back.

Jamie DiLuzio – BW Gottschee – Defender (2017) – DiLuzio has the makings of developing into a real modern day left back. Very comfortable getting forward and making overlapping runs, but can also provide lock down defense on the wing. Combines extremely well, and is comfortable on the ball in the buildup. A naturally left footed fit player with an engine to him, DiLuzio has now impressed at multiple Combines. Pro tip: Track this player.

Kyle Ryan – FC Bolts Celtic – Midfielder (2015) – What makes Ryan stand out from many midfielders is simply his vision to see passes most don’t. Has a good soccer IQ that allows him to take his first touch consistently away from pressure and distribute cleanly. His decision making on the ball will more than likely be the difference maker in him excelling at the next level.

Jack Monnes – FSA United – Midfielder (2015) – Knows what he wants to do with the ball before he receives it. Makes great runs off the ball, and has the pace to get in behind back 4’s with well-timed diagonal runs.

Noah Gans – FC Bolts Celtic – Midfielder (2017) – Good combination of physical and mental tools to succeed at the game going forward. Solid communicator and has the technique to move the ball around in the buildup confidently.

Michael Infante – Newtown Samba – Midfielder (2015) – Quick thinking midfielder who has the competitive drive to succeed at the next level. Excellent decisions on the ball, and flashed his huge upside on the day according to one top 15 D1 coach.

Edward Venta-Yepes – New England Revolution - Forward (2015) – More than likely the most technical and best passer of the ball at the Combine. Quite surprising that Yepes has not committed anywhere yet. Left many college coaches in attendance very impressed. His feel for the game and smoothness on the ball separates him from most players. Good leadership, and can probably play as a 10, 6, or an 8. Fits into a team very well, and his passion for the game will more than likely take him a long way in this sport.

Mason Brummett – FC Bolts Celtic – Forward (2015) – A truly classy finisher in front of goal, Brummett had many coaches on the day buzzing about his performance. Possesses an excellent first touch, and is a nightmare to defend because of his runs off the ball and his 1 v 1 ability.

New England Combine Boys Honorable Mentions

GK Fagner Coellho (New England Aztec), M Dean Schwartz (Connecticut FC), M Zach Friedman (Everton FC Westchester), M Caelan Koolman (Global Premier Soccer), M Andrew Karalis (FC Bolts Celtic), F Shams Mohajerani (FC Bolts Celtic), F Tyler Wojcik (Maple Valley SA), F Alessandro Zenati (FC Stars of Massachusetts)